Yamaha Motor Company has surprised the market by announcing the implementation of a new type of recycled steel in the packaging of its motorbikes. This pioneering initiative marks a significant step in the Japanese company’s strategy towards carbon neutrality in its global supply chain by 2050.
The new material, called ‘low carbon steel’, is produced using electric furnaces that melt iron scrap from various sources, such as demolished buildings, discarded household appliances and end-of-life cars. This innovative process results in a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional steel production methods.
Yamaha stands out as the first Japanese company to use steel sheets produced in electric furnaces for the packaging structures of motorbikes. Implementation is scheduled for October 2024, with plans for gradual expansion to other production areas.
This measure is part of a growing trend in the motorbike industry, where manufacturers are looking for sustainable alternatives in addition to developing electric vehicles. Suzuki, for example, has already used recycled carbon fibre in the bodywork of its experimental GSX-R1000 at the Suzuka 8 Hours, powered by 40% non-fossil fuel.
Yamaha’s adoption of this recycled steel not only demonstrates the brand’s commitment to sustainability, but also sets a new standard in the industry, challenging other manufacturers to follow suit in reducing the environmental impact of their production and packaging processes.